Neues Deutschland
New works by Francis Gomila.
Lichtenberg Studios
April 21 to June 9th. 2017
As always in Gomila’s oeuvre the clue to where he’s taking us is in the tile of the exhibition. These new works under the title “Neues Deutschland” were inspired by Gomila’s discovery of Neues Deutschland newspaper pages from the 70’s under the Linoleum floor whilst restoring his new studio in a small village in former East Germany. Gomila became fascinated by the discovery of this almost totally forgotten and much maligned history of the former GDR. Fascinated by the scope of the photographs illustrating not only the newspaper’s news but also unashamedly its ideology; Politburo conferences, State parades, trade union meetings, heroic workers with their farm machinery, livestock breeders, art competition, and beauty pageants winners, all photographed in a poised fashion that belies the innocence and indeed the pride, and naive seriousness on their subjects faces. “A regard” which Gomila states: “we have now lost, no one poses for a newspaper photo in quite the same way anymore”. and Gomila adds; “All swept under the carpet”.
At first glance these ghostly haunting and obscure dark paintings, seem to reference Gerhard Richter’s painterly tradition, on closer inspection though, you realise that these are not paintings – they are smeared with heavy industrial Bitumen; Tarred and some even feathered; the traditional treatment meted out to informers, collaborators and traitors.
You can catch the first public outing of these exciting new works at Lichtenberg Studios.
Pictures: Uwe Jonas
